Tata Harrier EV Road Test Review (2025): Capability Meets Everyday Usability

A Big Step Forward Without Losing the Plot

The Tata Harrier EV arrives as the brand’s boldest electric SUV yet. It builds on the ICE Harrier’s appeal imposing stance, generous space, and tough-road credibility while introducing an all-new EV architecture with available all-wheel drive. The promise is simple: familiar Harrier character, now with smooth electric torque, modern technology, and operating costs that make sense for daily use. With pricing that undercuts many rivals, the question is not whether the Harrier EV is good, but how well the package comes together.

Exterior Design and Engineering: Familiar Face, Fresh Foundations (7/10)

Visually, Tata has kept the Harrier EV instantly recognizable. Those who prefer subtle evolution over radical EV theatrics will appreciate the approach. A closed-off grille with horizontal strakes, a tweaked bumper, and a reprofiled lower intake define the nose. Aero-optimised 19-inch alloys and discreet EV badging mark it out in profile, and at the rear the missing tailpipe and model script are the big giveaways.

Under the skin, the changes are more dramatic. The EV uses a thoroughly re-engineered floor to package the battery and motors, redesigned suspension bits, and a fresh electrical/electronic backbone dubbed t.idal (Tata Intelligent Digital Architectural Layer). Dimensionally, it’s 2 mm longer and 22 mm taller than its diesel sibling; the wheelbase stays the same but tracks are wider by 20 mm (front 1,636 mm; rear 1,650 mm). Ground clearance (laden) rises to 163 mm, useful for speed breakers and mild trails.

Stiffness is up substantially Tata cites a 62 percent improvement in torsional rigidity thanks to a higher proportion of special steels. The result is a structure that feels more tied down and crashworthy. The flipside is mass: depending on spec, it weighs in the 2.1–2.3-tonne band, with dual-motor versions about 98 kg heavier than single-motor trims.

Quick Summary

Interior Space and Comfort: Premium Ambience, Minor Ergonomic Misses (7/10)

Step inside and the Harrier EV feels upmarket and familiar. Dual-tone upholstery and tasteful soft-touch surfaces lift perceived quality, while gloss-black elements look rich (though they can scratch and smudge). The steering wheel is chunky and features an illuminated logo; the 10.25-inch digital driver’s display is clean and can mirror your phone’s maps across the full screen, but some fonts and icons are on the smaller side.

Center stage is a 14.5-inch floating touchscreen crisp, fluid, and easy to navigate. Climate controls sit on a backlit touch panel; temperature is adjusted via neat toggles but the blower slider takes getting used to and can pull your eyes off the road. Voice commands help, even for tasks like operating the panoramic sunroof, but responses reward patience.

Practicality is strong: large door bins, a sizeable glovebox, a cooled center box, multiple USB-A/C ports, and thoughtful cupholders. Front chairs are broad, supportive, and ventilated; the driver’s seat adds memory. The driving position is commanding in classic SUV fashion. Some ergonomic niggles persist: the wireless charger can be a touch awkward to access, certain USB ports are tucked away, and taller drivers might brush a knee against the lower dash.

Rear accommodation is generous. Winged headrests, blinds, USB-C ports, and a boss mode for the front passenger enhance comfort. The flat floor helps three-abreast seating, though a dedicated middle headrest would have been preferable. Luggage space is ample; the raised boot floor (to house a rear motor and space saver) is offset by a practical parcel tray and the bonus of a frunk larger on RWD than AWD.

Features and Safety: Tech-Rich and Thoughtfully Curated (9/10)

If you enjoy your SUVs well equipped, the Harrier EV obliges. Highlights include:

• Auto LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting
• 14.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 10.25-inch digital cluster
• 10-speaker premium audio with immersive tuning
• Ventilated, powered front seats with driver memory
• 360-degree camera with transparent bonnet view and side-camera turn feed
• Digital interior rearview mirror with recording capability (dashcam function)
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Multiple drive and terrain modes

Clever party tricks include Summon Mode (remote inching forward/back via the key) and Anywhere Parking (autonomous steering, braking, and shifting to slot into a selected space). A comprehensive Level-2 ADAS suite autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist adds confidence, with steering-wheel shortcuts to tame the systems in dense traffic.

Performance and Refinement: Fast Enough, Calm Always (9/10)

Powertrains span single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD (PMSM at the rear, induction motor up front on the larger battery). Combined output on the AWD is quoted at 313 hp and 504 Nm, channeled through a single-speed transmission. On the move, the Harrier EV feels brisk rather than brutal; its considerable mass mutes the initial “shove,” but sustained acceleration is strong and effortless. In instrumented testing, the AWD posted a 0–100 km/h run in 6.74 s and topped out at 180 km/h. Roll-on performance is suitably quick for safe overtakes.

Refinement is a highlight. The cabin stays impressively hushed at city and highway speeds, with little wind or tyre roar bleeding through. The air-con blower can sound busy even at lower settings, but overall noise isolation is excellent for long stints.

Braking performance is stout (80–0 km/h in 24.36 m), though the pedal feel could be more progressive. Regeneration is adjustable over four levels via paddles; there is no true single-pedal stop, as the system slows to a crawl rather than holding at zero.

Range and Charging: Realistic Numbers, Convenient Top-ups (7/10)

Battery choices are 64.7 kWh and 74.61 kWh, both using LFP chemistry. Claimed figures are robust; in mixed real-world use the AWD test car recorded 5.45 km/kWh in the city and 5.24 km/kWh on the highway, extrapolating to roughly 401 km combined. Under gentle throttle, the vehicle favors RWD for efficiency, bringing in the front motor during hard acceleration or when the rear slips. Below 10 percent state of charge, a protective mode caps speed and trims systems to stretch remaining range.

Charging is straightforward. The 377.6 V system supports a peak ~107 kW DC intake, enabling 20–80% in about 25 minutes at suitable stations. On a 7.2 kW AC home wallbox, expect a 10–100% refill in roughly 10 hours. A 3.3 kW portable cable is included, and a 7.2 kW wallbox is optionally available.

Ride and Handling: Balanced, Planted, and Confident (8/10)

An independent front and multi-link rear setup with frequency-selective damping gives the Harrier EV an agreeable mix of comfort and control. It dismisses urban potholes and speed humps with a dense, tough feel. At speed, the front end is tidy and confidence-inspiring; the rear can feel a touch floaty on long undulations, but overall composure is high. The structure’s stiffness helps it corner flatter than you might expect from a 2-plus-tonne SUV, and dual-motor AWD adds the kind of traction that encourages brisk progress in poor conditions. The available Terrain Response modes Mud, Rock, Sand, Snow/Grass further tailor throttle and traction for light trails. The limiting factor off-road is ground clearance when laden and the vulnerability of the side steps over tall obstacles.

Price and Verdict: Electric, Desirable, and Sensibly Priced (8/10)

Positioned between Rs 21.49 lakh and Rs 28.99 lakh (ex-showroom, variant-dependent), the Harrier EV undercuts several obvious competitors while offering a richer blend of space, tech, and genuine long-distance comfort. It is not a radical rethink of the electric SUV template nor does it try to be. Instead, it packages familiar Harrier virtues with the silence, smoothness, and punch of electric propulsion, plus a feature set that feels complete for the price. A crisper brake pedal, a few ergonomic tweaks, and a bit more laden clearance would elevate it further. As it stands, this is a well-rounded, compelling EV that suits both weekday commuting and weekend escapes.

FAQs

1) What are the key differences versus the ICE Harrier?

A re-engineered EV floor and E/E architecture, battery and motor packaging, available dual-motor AWD, a larger central screen, and a tech-heavier features list, while retaining the Harrier’s size and presence.

2) Is the Harrier EV quick?

Yes. The AWD version can do 0–100 km/h in about 6.7 seconds. The shove is strong but feels measured due to the SUV’s mass, which actually makes progress feel calmer.

3) Does it have single-pedal driving?

It offers four regen levels via paddles, but it does not come to a complete stop on regen alone. It will slow to a crawl and then creep.

4) What real-world range can I expect?

Expect around 400 km combined in balanced city/highway use with the larger battery AWD, assuming moderate driving and smart regen use.

5) How fast does it charge?

At a compatible DC fast charger, 20–80 percent can take roughly 25 minutes. A 7.2 kW AC home charger will typically replenish the battery overnight.

6) Is AWD standard?

RWD is standard; AWD comes with the larger battery and a dual-motor layout.

7) Where can I check variants and book a test drive?

All official details, variants, and contact options are here: https://cars.tatamotors.com/suv/harrier-ev

Official Site: https://cars.tatamotors.com/suv/harrier-ev

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